Katherine Jo Pannell

Katherine Jo Pannell obituary, Des Moines, NM

Katherine Jo Pannell

Katherine Pannell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 4, 2025.
Katherine Jo "Kathy Jo" Pannell (née Rivera), age 68, passed away on April 1, 2025, in Des Moines, New Mexico. Born on June 19, 1956, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Kathy Jo lived a life marked by resilience, creativity, and boundless compassion.

A proud graduate of East Forsyth High School in 1974, Kathy Jo went on to attend the University of North Carolina Charlotte. She built a successful career in clerical work and retired from Hewlett Packard after years of dedicated service. Her professional life was characterized by diligence and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Kathy Jo was a woman of many talents and passions. Adventurous at heart, she found joy in the outdoors-snowmobiling through winter landscapes, traveling to new places, and exploring nature with an eye for beauty in the smallest details. She had a special fondness for collecting unique rocks and repurposing found objects into works of art. A true DIY expert and "jill of all trades," she brought creativity into every corner of her life.

Her artistic spirit extended into her love for arts and crafts, gardening, and cooking-especially her legendary tamales that brought warmth to countless gatherings. Whether thrifting for hidden treasures or transforming everyday items into something extraordinary, Kathy Jo's ingenuity knew no bounds.

A devout Catholic, Kathy Jo lived her faith through service to others. She gave generously of her time and energy to help those around her and never hesitated to lend a hand or offer comfort. Her deep spirituality was matched only by her fierce determination; when faced with challenges or doubt from others, she met them head-on with strength and grace.

Those who knew Kathy Jo remember her as caring and loving-a woman who never met a stranger and always saw the best in people. She was smart, thoughtful, forgiving, and steadfast in her convictions. Her beautiful soul radiated kindness and courage; she lived life as fully as possible and shared that fullness with everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Kathy Jo is survived by her husband Doug Pannell; beloved son James Efird; cherished mother Patricia Crandle; brother Andy Rivera; nieces Rebecca Short (and husband Joshua), niece Ashley Wickwire (and husband Eric), niece Erin McCarrell-Palmer (and husband Jason); great-niece Rylan Wickwire; and great-nephew Declan Palmer, her best friend of many years Clesteen Windham and her best friend and right hand woman, Donna Gonzalez. She leaves behind many friends who will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her father Luther Rivera and brother Jonathan Russell.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe, located at 816 Broadway Avenue, Des Moines, New Mexico 88418. The Rosary will be read beginning at 10:30 AM with Mass to follow. A second service will be held in Albuquerque at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Kathy Jo to either the Des Moines New Mexico Senior Center located at 415 Des Moines Avenue, Des Moines, NM 88418

or the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

Kathy Jo's legacy lives on through the lives she touched with her generosity, strength, and unshakable spirit. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

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April 15, 2025

JulieAnn Rivera Curran posted to the memorial.

April 15, 2025

Ashley Wickwire posted to the memorial.

April 15, 2025

Doug posted to the memorial.

JulieAnn Rivera Curran

April 15, 2025

I´m still in disbelief you are gone. You lived life to the fullest & fought to live everyday even when your health was at its worst. I don´t know anyone who fought so hard all while still trying your best to be upbeat. You will be missed. We love you & hope you are free & in no more pain

Ashley Wickwire

April 15, 2025

Doug

April 15, 2025

Memorial service April 7th in Des Moines, NM

Doug

April 15, 2025

Feb 10, 2025 just out of the hospital again enjoying the sunshine

Doug

April 15, 2025

Rebecca S

April 15, 2025

Nora Lovato

April 5, 2025

May your soul rest in pease. I am sure your Auntie Sis ( Bertha Hogan) will greet you with a big hug. She thought the world of you. God bless you and your family.

Ca

April 5, 2025

I met Kathy many years when I booked her on a cruise. After that met up with her for monthly lunches. I can't believe she's gone and I will truly miss her. I still have her turtle she gave me to take care of. R.i.p. my friend you will be missed

Angela Hutson

April 4, 2025

I can´t believe you´re gone. You were such a wonderful person. You were like a second mom you will be missed and loved so much.

Debbie Marcucci

April 4, 2025

Kathy was a angle that brightened the world.I will miss her so much, my childhood friend.

Debra Balizan

April 4, 2025

May my friend rest in peace with our Lord I will miss you very much
Debra Balizan

Love's Journey

Debra Balizan

Sent Flowers

Olivia Kell

April 4, 2025

My condolences to her family and friends. She was a true friend and will be missed.

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Hass Funeral Directors

324 Main St. P. O. Box 187, Clayton, NM 88415

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April 15, 2025

JulieAnn Rivera Curran posted to the memorial.

April 15, 2025

Ashley Wickwire posted to the memorial.

April 15, 2025

Doug posted to the memorial.